The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-10-15


we're in due time executed. Belle now
appeared in her true character. She
had so little respect for the patrons of
her school that she did not even notify
them that she would not return. In
deed, she endeavored to obliterate from
her mind the memory Of that disgrace
full episode in her life, as she consid-
cred it. To her it was a dark spot in
her social career.
She began now to make amends for
past sufferings, privations and humili-
ations, and lived In a style that ex-
hausted her income. But was Belle
happy: At first she endeavored to
persuade herself that it was not possi-
bic for any one to enjoy greater felicity.
She had everything that money could
purchase. She sen, to Paris to have
her magnificent dresses made. She
was universal lavorite. No one
thought of giving dance without In
viting Belle Bradleigh. Beaux tlocked |
ted till her head was turned, But after |
awhile a canker-worm began gnaWing |
at the very vitnls of her happiness. |
her dying uncle's curse felt upon her
SoAo3 "OutO AuSu uR OSlOAC u0A "uSo
she least expected it. Her conscience
was at first repIessed, but, as ii 1t had
the property OF elasticity, it began to
resist this unnatural compression, and
to return to the performance of its
proper functions. Her dreams were
startling. 1t was in vain she tried to
persuade herself that she had done
right. In order to pacify the "secret
monitor" she treated Mary with unus
ual kindness, and even offered to add
more to NIary's legacy, If she were not
satisfied.
.'Cousin Mary" she said one day,
stare you as happy as you were before
you received your money!
"Certainiy l am," replied the affec-
tionate Mary, taking Bells hand iu
her own. "Why should I not be? l
have nothing to do but to enjoy myself.
The money dear Uncle left me is suf,i-
cient to supply all my wants. Are you
not happy, dear Belle p she continued,
winding her arms around her cousins
neck. "To be sure, you are. There is
nothing to make you unhappy
"But something does make mo un-
happy, though" replied Belle very
gravely. "Sometimes, I am misera-
ble.''
"Why, what can make you misera-
BILE? ?" asked Mary in surprise.
81 hardly KNOW" answered Belle in
hesitation. 81 often have such ugly
dreams about Uncle. Mary" she sud-
denly broke of, edo you not remember
that day how Mr.. Merton doubted my
word ? l would take an oath on the
Bible that Uncle commanded me to
burn that WILL
81 never doubted it, after you said
so, dear Belle. How can that give you
any trouble?'
"Why, Uncle was dying, and 1t may
be was not in his right mind. / at first
refused to do 80. But he ontreated and
threatened, and tried tO----''
Belle could not finish the sentence
She knew that she was deliberately
making false impression upon hel
cousins mind. She was guilty o.
, fulsehood, and she blushed with shame
when she looked into Mary's wonder
ing, innocent eyes and contrasted he
GOODNESS with her own MEANNEss.
"From what Mr.. Merton insinu
, ated," presently continued Belle, turn
ing her face from Mary, "it woult
, seem that Uncle changed his mind ant
made different disposition of nj
4 property. 1 don't know why he LEI
:, two wills: Did he never say anything
to you about the wills, or either G
them p
:, "Never,' answered Mary.
HI wish Uncle had not called upO
n ME to burn that WILL" said Belle, now
indeed, telling the truth. "l'd swear
Mary, in any court, he did order m
r. to burn it,
81 believe you, dear Cousin Belle
n without any swearing. Your word
sufficient"
}, HBut Mr.. Merton doubted it, 20
!, know" said Belle.
n Gle had no right to do so" replic
,t Mary.
In this dubious way Belle would tai
N in order to force her guifeless cousin
~ defend her conduct, even though st
20 knew that Mary was deceived. Y
r. she felt degraded in her own eye
,d Self-respect was gone. Sometimes sh
would suddenly turn pale and trclnbf
o.. even in the midst of scenes of gaiety.
a. Eighteen months had passed awa
n since the death Of Major Bradleig
~ and the summer sun was pOurir
down his scorching rays, causing TIT
,o and beast to take refuge in the shad
-, Suddenly n universal cry of agOI
hn went up from the land. AT this tiH
- ii frightful fend one day entered Be
Brailcigh's chamber and again al